Fluid interface cartridge for a microfluidic chip

ABSTRACT

An interface cartridge for a microfluidic chip, with microfluidic process channels and fluidic connection holes at opposed ends of the process channels, provides ancillary fluid structure, including fluid flow channels and input and/or waste wells, which mix and/or convey reaction fluids to the fluidic connection holes and into the process channels of the microfluidic chip.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/677,711, filed on Nov. 15, 2012, which is a divisional of and claimspriority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/758,482, filed on Apr.12, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,354,080, which claims the benefit ofprovisional application Ser. No. 61/168,468, filed Apr. 10, 2009, eachof which is incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to microfluidic devices and systems and,more specifically, to microfluidic devices and systems that include theuse of external chips or cartridges that fluidically interface withmicrofluidic chips having one or more microfluidic channels.

2. Description of Related Art

Microfluidic chips are being developed for “lab-on-a-chip” devices toperform in-vitro diagnostic testing, including nucleic acid diagnosticassays, such as Polymerase Chain Reaction (“PCR”). The largest growtharea for the use of such devices is in the field of molecular biology,where DNA amplification is performed in the sealed channels (“processchannels”) of the microfluidic chip. In one type of diagnostic assaythat can be performed using such chips, optical detection devices arecommonly used to measure the increasing amplicon product over time (RealTime PCR) and/or to perform a thermal melt to identify the presence of aspecific genotype (High Resolution Thermal Melt). Exemplary disclosuresrelated to the imaging of a microfluidic chip to measure the fluorescentproduct can be found in commonly-owned U.S. application Ser. No.11/505,358 to Hasson et al. entitled “Real-Time PCR in Micro Channels”(U.S. Pat. Pub. 2008-0003588) and U.S. application Ser. No. 11/606,204to Hasson et al. entitled “Systems and Methods for Monitoring theAmplification and Dissociation Behavior of DNA Molecules” (U.S. Pat.Pub. 2008-0003594), the respective disclosures of which are herebyincorporated by reference.

Conventional microfluidic chips comprise cartridges or cassettes withfluidic networking channels and sample/assay distribution wells formedtherein. A typical microfluidic chip may comprise at least one or moremicrofluidic channels, fluidic connection holes, and reagent/wastewells. Microfluidic channel sizes are typically in the range of 10 to300 μm, the sizes of fluidic connection holes are from 200 to 1500 μm,and the diameters of reagent/waste wells are typically in the range of2000 to 5000 μm. Biological (chemical) reactions and assays take placewithin the microfluidic channels, or process channels, of the chip. Adetection window may also be provided on the chip to enable detection ofa characteristic of the reaction materials within the microfluidicchannels, such as optical detection of reaction material colors. Inaddition, certain other process steps, such as thermal cycling andthermal melt, occur within the microfluidic process channels. To enableaccurate optical detection and precision flow control, manufacturingtolerances of the process channels are quite stringent, and such chipsare typically made of materials with superior optical qualities, such asglass, silica quartz, or high quality polymers.

Other functionality in the microfluidic chip includes the input,routing, mixing, and output of reaction materials (e.g., samples andreagents), which may be provided by flow structures that are ancillaryto the process channels. Such ancillary fluid structures, (i.e., the“plumbing” of the chip) may be provided by various wells, such as asample input well associated with each process channel, a waste well(pre and/or post process channel) associated with each process channel,and reagent input wells accessible to some or all process channels, andchannels and connecting ports for mixing and routing the material to andfrom the process channels. Devices such as the Caliper sipper chip usesone or more sipper tubes attached to the microfluidic chip to accessfluid samples and reagents held in a separate, free-standing microtiterplate. Such sipper tubes may be used as alternatives to or incombination with input wells formed in the chip itself.

In conventional microfluidic chips, the wells (input and/or waste wells)are connected directly to the fluidic holes coupling the processchannels to the well(s). As a consequence, because the wells are muchlarger than the process channels, the chip capacity (i.e., the number ofmicrofluidic process channels on the microfluidic chip) is limited bythe size of the wells rather than that of the process channels.Moreover, channels in this portion of the microfluidic chip (i.e., theancillary fluid structures) need not be as small and preciselymanufactured as the process channels and there is no need for superioroptic qualities in this part of the chip. Accordingly, the precision andmaterial quality requirements in this part of the chip need not be ashigh as in the part of the chip containing the process channels.

FIGS. 1 and 2 depict a standard microfluidic chip assembly 10 having amicrofluidic chip 18 having formed therein multiple microfluidic processchannels 24 and fluidic connection holes 20, 22 on each end of each ofthe channels 24. Assuming a left-to-right flow direction through theprocess channels 24, fluidic connection hole 20 functions as an inletport and fluidic connection hole 22 functions as an outlet port.Microfluidic chip 18 may be formed from multiple layers, such as upperlayer 18 a and lower layer 18 b. As shown in FIG. 2, such a microfluidicchip 18 may be used with a secondary cartridge 12 that fits over top ofthe microfluidic chip 18, such that the fluidic connection holes 20, 22of the microfluidic chip 18 line up directly with fluid input and/orwaste collection wells 14, 16 of the secondary cartridge 12. Again,assuming a left-to-right flow direction, well 14 is a fluid input wellfor receiving fluid (e.g., sample, reagent, or a combination thereof) tobe delivered to the inlet port 20, and well 16 is a waste collectionwell for receiving fluid from the outlet port 22. In this manner, theuser can supply quantities of materials to the reagent wells which canthen be drawn into the microfluidic chip via methods known in the artsuch as vacuum pressure, positive pressure, electrokinetics, capillaryaction and the like. Similarly, materials that have traversed themicrofluidic channels can be drawn into the waste wells via the samemethods.

Assembly 10 is limited by the size of the microfluidic chip 18 and thespacing of the process channels 24 on the chip in order to allow thedirect placement of the wells 14, 16 present on the secondary cartridge12 directly over the fluidic connection holes 20, 22, respectively, ofthe microfluidic chip 18. That is, the number and size of wells 14, 16are constrained by the need to correspond directly to the fluidicconnection holes 20, 22 and the process channels 24 of the microfluidicchip 18.

There are several challenges that exist in connection with thedevelopment of in-vitro diagnostic microfluidic chips including how toperform multiple sample tests simultaneously and how to access a largenumber of reagents, primers and assays efficiently to screen for desiredtests. Current high throughput systems are located in hospital andclinical laboratories. These systems are often very large (with roboticsystem, pumps, tubes, and reservoirs) and very expensive to operate inpoint-of-care testing facilities. The desired goal is to develop anefficient assay delivery system for performing multiple sample tests ona desktop system.

Thus, there exists a desire for methods and apparatus to provide largervolume reagent and waste wells to microfluidic chips, specifically in amanner that allows for an increase in the number of microfluidicchannels that can be placed on a chip without being confined by the sizeof necessary reagent/waste wells.

Accordingly, cost savings and other efficiencies can be achieved byminimizing the size of the microfluidic chip formed from costlymaterials and requiring precise manufacturing, while providing adequateancillary fluid structures for mixing and/or routing reaction materialsto the process channels without increasing the size and complexity ofthe microfluidic chip.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the invention are embodied in an interface cartridgeproviding a fluid flow network for delivering fluid to inlet ports of amicrofluidic assay chip having a plurality of microfluidic channels,each microfluidic channel having an inlet port for delivering fluid to aproximal end of the microfluidic channel and an outlet port for removingfluid from a terminal end of the microfluidic channel. The interfacecartridge includes a cartridge body having formed therein a plurality offluid delivery channels in fluid-communication with a one or moremicrofluidic channels in the microfluidic assay chip. The cartridge bodyfurther includes a delivery interface configured to fluidly couple thefluid delivery channels of the interface cartridge to the microfluidicassay chip. The delivery interface includes a plurality of fluiddelivery ports, and each fluid delivery port is associated with onefluid delivery channel and is configured to deliver fluid from the fluiddelivery channel to an inlet port of one of the microfluidic channels.Each fluid delivery channel comprises a primary fluid channel having aproximal end and a terminal end, a vent well at the terminal end of theprimary fluid channel, and a secondary fluid flow channel extending froma portion of the primary fluid channel between the proximal and terminalends and terminating at one of the fluid delivery ports of the deliveryinterface.

According to further aspects of the invention, the interface cartridgefurther includes a fluid inlet well at the proximal end of each fluiddelivery channel.

According to further aspects of the invention, the interface cartridgefurther includes a plurality of fluid removal channels corresponding innumber to the number of microfluidic channels in the microfluidic assaychip and a waste interface configured to fluidly couple the fluidremoval channels to the microfluidic assay chip. The waste interfaceincludes a plurality of fluid transfer ports corresponding in number tothe number of microfluidic channels in the microfluidic assay chip, andeach fluid transfer port is associated with one fluid removal channeland is configured to receive fluid from an associated outlet port of oneof the microfluidic channels. The interface cartridge may include wastecollection wells disposed at a terminal end of each fluid removalchannel.

According to further aspects of the invention, the path of each fluiddelivery channel is configured so that the lengths of all fluid deliverychannels are the same.

According to further aspects of the invention, the path of each fluidremoval channel is configured so that the lengths of all fluid removalchannels are the same.

According to further aspects of the invention, the plurality of fluiddelivery channels corresponds in number to the number of microfluidicchannels in the microfluidic assay chip.

According to further aspects of the invention, the interface cartridgefurther includes a sample port formed in the cartridge body andassociated with each fluid delivery channel, each sample port being influid-communication with its associated fluid delivery channel and beingconfigured for introducing a sample fluid into the associated fluiddelivery channel.

According to further aspects of the invention, the interface cartridgefurther includes a common reagent port formed in the cartridge body tobe in fluid-communication with all the fluid delivery channels andconfigured to introduce a reagent fluid into all the fluid deliverychannels.

According to further aspects of the invention, the interface cartridgefurther includes a sipper tube extending from the cartridge body so thata distal end thereof can be placed into a reagent reservoir so thatreagent can be drawn from the reservoir and into the sipper. The sipperis in fluid-communication with all the fluid delivery channels so that areagent fluid drawn into the sipper can be introduced into all the fluiddelivery channels.

According to further aspects of the invention, the interface cartridgefurther includes one or more sipper tubes extending from the cartridgebody so that a distal end thereof can be placed into a sample reservoirso that a sample can be drawn from the reservoir and into the sipper.The sipper is in fluid-communication with the sample port so that asample drawn into the sipper can be introduced into the associated fluiddelivery channel.

According to further aspects of the invention, the cartridge body ismade from a polymer, such as a transparent polymer or polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). The cartridge body may be made from two or morelayers.

According to further aspects of the invention, the interface cartridgefurther includes a gasket at the delivery interface and/or the wasteinterface disposed between the cartridge body and the microfluidic assaychip.

According to further aspects of the invention, the interface cartridgefurther includes a sample input well disposed at a proximal end of eachof the fluid delivery channels and a plurality of reagent input wells,each of the reagent input wells being in communication with each of thefluid delivery channels.

According to further aspects of the invention, the interface cartridgefurther comprises a plurality of h-channels fluidly connecting each ofthe reagent input wells to each of the fluid delivery channels.

According to further aspects of the invention, the interface cartridgeis configured to correspond to a standard 96-well plate and compriseseight sample input wells, eight vent wells, and eighty reagent inputwells.

According to further aspects of the invention, the cartridge body has arectangular shape and comprises a rectangular opening formed therein andwherein the delivery interface is disposed on one side of therectangular opening and the waste interface is disposed on an oppositeside of the rectangular opening.

According to further aspects of the invention, the interface cartridgefurther comprises an angled slot formed along one edge of therectangular opening.

According to further aspects of the invention, the fluid deliverychannel further comprises a sample flow region, a reagent flow regionand a mixing region configured to permit mixing of the sample and thereagent, the mixing region being located at an intersection of thesample flow region and the reagent flow region.

Aspects of the invention are also embodied in an microfluidic assemblyincluding a microfluidic assay chip and an interface cartridge. Themicrofluidic assay chip has a plurality of microfluidic channels, eachmicrofluidic channel having an inlet port for delivering fluid to aproximal end of the microfluidic channel and an outlet port for removingfluid from a terminal end of the microfluidic channel. The interfacecartridge is larger in width and length than the microfluidic assay chipand has formed therein a plurality of fluid delivery channels influid-communication with one or more microfluidic channels in themicrofluidic assay chip. Each of the fluid delivery channels has a fluiddelivery port configured to deliver fluid from the associated fluiddelivery channel to an inlet port of one of the microfluidic channels.

In accordance with certain embodiments of the microfluidic assembly eachfluid delivery channel of the interface cartridge comprises a primaryfluid flow channel having a first leg and a second leg, each leg havinga proximal end and a terminal end, and a vent well at the terminal endof the second leg of the primary fluid flow channel. The microfluidicassay chip comprises two inlet ports, one of the inlet ports being influid-communication with the terminal end of the first leg of theprimary fluid flow channel and the other of the inlet ports being influid-communication with the proximal end of the second leg of saidprimary fluid flow channel. The microfluidic assay chip also includes asecondary fluid flow channel connecting the two inlet ports andincluding a portion extending toward at least one of the microfluidicchannels of the microfluidic assay chip.

The microfluidic assay chip may be made from glass or silica quartz, andthe interface cartridge may be made from plastic. The microfluidic assaychip may comprise a PCR region and a thermal melt region.

Aspects of the invention are embodied in an apparatus to increase chipcapacity in a microfluidic chip. The apparatus comprises a primarymicrofluidic chip with at least one microfluidic channel and associatedconnection holes and a secondary cartridge comprising reagent/wastewells, connection holes, and fluidic extension channels. Thereagent/waste wells of the secondary cartridge are connected to the atleast one microfluidic channel and associated connection holes of theprimary microfluidic chip via the connection holes and fluidic extensionchannels of the secondary cartridge.

In accordance with other aspects of the invention, random access isprovided between reagent wells and sample channels in the secondarycartridge.

Further aspects of the invention are embodied in a microfluidic assemblycomprising a microfluidic assay chip and an interface cartridge. Themicrofluidic assay chip comprises a plurality of microfluidic channels,two inlet ports associated with each of said microfluidic channels, anoutlet port for removing fluid from a terminal end of the microfluidicchannel. Each pair of inlet ports associated with each microfluidicchannel is connected by an interconnecting channel that is influid-communication with a proximal end of the associated microfluidicchannel. The interface cartridge comprises a plurality of fluid deliverychannels in fluid-communication with the interconnecting channel of eachof one or more microfluidic channels in the microfluidic assay chip. Theinterface cartridge further includes a delivery interface configured tofluidly couple the fluid delivery channels of the interface cartridge tothe microfluidic assay chip. The delivery interface includes a pluralityof fluid delivery ports, and each fluid delivery port is associated withone fluid delivery channel and is configured to deliver fluid from thefluid delivery channel to an interconnecting channel of the one or moremicrofluidic channels.

The above and other aspects and embodiments of the present invention aredescribed below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form partof the specification, illustrate various embodiments of the presentinvention. In the drawings, like reference numbers indicate identical orfunctionally similar elements.

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a conventional microfluidic chip havingfour process channels, four input wells, and four waste wells.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the conventional microfluidic chip.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of an interface cartridge and a microfluidicchip (shown in hidden line in FIG. 3) in which the process channels areprovided in the microfluidic chip, and the ancillary fluid structuresare provided in the interface cartridge.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the interface cartridge/microfluidic chiparrangement of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of an interface cartridge having 96 wells forsample input, reagent input, and waste output coupled to a microfluidicchip with eight process channels, wherein each of the sample input wellsand each of the waste output wells is fluidly coupled to one associatedprocess channel and each of the reagent input wells is fluidly coupledto all of the process channels.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the interface cartridge/microfluidic chiparrangement shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the interface cartridge of FIG. 5,taken along the line 7-7.

FIG. 8 is a detail of a portion of the cross sectional view of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a detail of a portion of the cross sectional view of FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the interface cartridge of FIG. 5,taken along the line 10-10.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the interface cartridge of FIG. 5,taken along the line 11-11.

FIG. 12 is a detail of a portion of the cross sectional view of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an alternative configuration of aninterface cartridge coupled to a microfluidic chip having a plurality ofprocess channels, wherein the interface cartridge includes a pluralityof sample input wells, a common reagent well, a plurality of vent wells,a plurality of waste wells, and a sipper tube disposed beneath theinterface cartridge.

FIG. 14 is a top plan view of the interface cartridge of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a side view of the interface cartridge/microfluidic chiparrangement shown in FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a plan view of the interface cartridge and microfluidic chipshown in FIG. 13 with arrows superimposed thereon showing fluid flowdirections and wherein a portion of the interface coupling between theinterface cartridge and the microfluidic chip is shown in enlargeddetail.

FIG. 16A is partial plan view of an interface cartridge and microfluidicchip showing one embodiment of a fluidic interface between the interfacecartridge and the microfluidic chip.

FIG. 16B is partial plan view of an interface cartridge and microfluidicchip showing another embodiment of a fluidic interface between theinterface cartridge and the microfluidic chip.

FIG. 16C is partial plan view of a multi-layer interface cartridge andmicrofluidic chip showing a further embodiment of a fluidic interfacebetween the interface cartridge and the microfluidic chip.

FIG. 17 is a partial plan view of the interface cartridge shown in FIGS.13-16 with arrows superimposed thereon showing fluid flow directions inthe ancillary channels.

FIG. 18 is a plan view of an alternate embodiment of an interfacecartridge shown coupled to a microfluidic chip having a plurality ofprocess channels and further showing a preprocessing chip coupled to aninput port of the interface cartridge.

FIG. 19 is a plan view of different layers of the multilayer structureembodied in the interface cartridge shown in FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a plan view of the interface cartridge shown in FIG. 18 witha microfluidic chip coupled therewith and a chip-holding bracketsupporting the microfluidic chip with respect to the interfacecartridge.

FIG. 21 is a cross-section along the line 21-21 in FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a longitudinal cross-section of the interface cartridge shownin FIG. 18 showing an angled slot formed along one edge of amicrofluidic chip opening for accommodating an optical detection device.

FIG. 23 is a plan view of a further embodiment of an interfacecartridge.

FIG. 24 is a plan view of different layers of the interface cartridge ofFIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view of the different layers of theembodiment shown in FIG. 23, wherein the layers are stacked one abovethe other in their assembled order.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of an interface gasket for use between aninterface cartridge and a microfluidic chip.

FIG. 27 is a top plan view of the interface gasket.

FIG. 28 is a side view of the interface gasket.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention provides secondary, interface cartridges or chips,referred to herein as interface cartridges, which enable the use ofgreater numbers or quantities of reagents, samples, and other materialswithout being limited by the configuration or space available on atraditional microfluidic chip.

An assembly of an interface cartridge and a microfluidic chip embodyingaspects of the present invention is designated generally by referencenumber 30 in FIGS. 3-4. Assembly 30 includes a microfluidic chip 18coupled to an interface cartridge 32 embodying aspects of the presentinvention. Microfluidic chip 18 may be formed of, for example, glass,silica, or quartz, and may include an upper layer 18 a and a lower layer18 b. Microfluidic chip 18 further includes microfluidic processchannels 24 with an inlet port 20 and outlet port 22 disposed onopposite ends of each microfluidic process channel. A portion of eachmicrofluidic chip 24 may comprise a thermal melt region in which thermalmelt analysis is performed and a portion may comprise a PCR region atwhich PCR temperature cycling is performed. Interface cartridge 32includes a cartridge body formed of a top layer 32 a and a lower layer32 b and defining a top side 34 and a bottom side 36. A plurality ofinput wells 38 are formed in the top side 34 of the interface cartridge32, and, in one embodiment each well 38 is in fluid-communication withone associated microfluidic process channel 24 via a fluid deliverychannel 40. Each input well 38 is configured to receive a sample,reagent, or combination thereof. A portion of the contents of the well38 is drawn into the associated microfluidic process channel 24 viafluid delivery channel 40 by methods known in the art such as vacuumpressure, positive pressure, electrokinetics, capillary action and thelike.

In the illustrated embodiment, the number of input wells 38 (eight) andfluid delivery channels 40 corresponds to the number of microfluidicprocess channels 24, although configurations in which the numbers ofinput wells, fluid delivery channels, and microfluidic process channelsdiffer are contemplated.

The inlet ports 20 of the microfluidic process channels 24 are fluidlycoupled to the fluid delivery channels 40 at a delivery interface 44 atwhich a fluid delivery port 42, which comprises the terminal end of eachfluid delivery channel 40, is coupled in fluid-communication with theinlet port 20 of the associated microfluidic process channel 24. Aninterface gasket, described in more detail below, may be providedbetween the interface cartridge 32 and the microfluidic chip 18 at thedelivery interface 44.

A plurality of waste collection wells 46 are formed in the top side 34of the interface cartridge 32, and each well 46 is influid-communication with one associated microfluidic process channel 24via a fluid removal channel 48. Each waste collection well 46 isconfigured to collect materials from the microfluidic process channels24 at the conclusion of the assay. Materials may be drawn from themicrofluidic process channels 24 into the wells 46 via fluid removalchannels 48 by methods known in the art such as vacuum pressure,positive pressure, electrokinetics, capillary action and the like.

In the illustrated embodiment, the number of waste collection wells 38(eight) and fluid removal channels 48 corresponds to the number ofmicrofluidic process channels 24, although configurations in which thenumbers of waste collection wells, fluid removal channels, andmicrofluidic process channels are greater or less than eight arecontemplated, as are configurations where there are unequal numbers ofwaste collection wells, fluid removal channels, and microfluidic processchannels.

The outlet ports 22 of the microfluidic process channels 24 are fluidlycoupled to the fluid removal channels 48 at a waste interface 52 atwhich a fluid removal port 50, which comprises the terminal end of eachfluid removal channel 48, is coupled in fluid-communication with theoutlet port 22 of the associated microfluidic process channel 24. Aninterface gasket may be provided between the interface cartridge 32 andthe microfluidic chip 18 at the waste interface 52.

The assembly 30, and in particular the interface cartridge 32, as shownin FIGS. 3 and 4, eliminate the constraints found in the art byproviding a larger interface cartridge which allows for the use ofmultiple input and/or waste wells which can vary in size. Rather thanrequiring that the input and/or waste collection wells be placed overthe fluidic connection holes 20, 22 of the microfluidic chip 18, theinput/waste collection wells 38, 46 are connected to the fluidicconnection holes 20, 22 of the microfluidic chip 18 by fluiddelivery/removal channels 40, 48 within the interface cartridge 32. Thisallows the placement of a greater number of wells of varying sizes.

A chip interface concept has been devised that utilizes a common 96-wellplate format for assay reagent input. An assembly incorporating such aconcept and embodying aspects of the present invention is represented byreference number 60 in FIGS. 5-12. The assembly 60 includes an interfacecartridge 62 and a microfluidic chip 18. The format has been speciallydesigned with microfluidic control, mixing, and delivery functions suchthat random access assays can be delivered to the microfluidic processchannels of a PCR and thermal melting microfluidic chip.

FIGS. 5 and 6 depict a 96-well interface cartridge 62 as one embodimentof the present invention, with a microfluidic chip 18, deliveryinterface 86 and a connection gasket 88 between the interface cartridge62 and the microfluidic chip 18. The layout of the wells can be seenfrom the top view of the interface cartridge 62, FIG. 5. In oneembodiment, the 96 wells are divided in to 12 rows (numbered 1-12) ofeight wells (lettered A-H). Row 1 comprises sample wells 68, rows 2 to11 comprise primer/reagent wells 72, and row 12 comprises vent wells 70.In one embodiment, with the illustrated 96-well design, eight samplescarried in the sample wells 68 can be tested simultaneously with eachsample having random access to the eighty reagents/primers contained inany of the reagent wells 72. This concept is not limited to the eightsample wells and the eighty reagent/primer wells. Additional samples andadditional reagents/primers can be implemented with a larger orreconfigured well plate design, both of which are contemplated withinthe scope of the present invention.

The flow pattern in the 96-well interface cartridge can be seen from theside view in FIG. 6. Fluid delivery channels 74 connect the sample wells68, reagent wells 72, vent wells 70, and fluid delivery ports 84 atwhich fluid is delivered to each microfluidic process channel of themicrofluidic chip 18. More specifically, the fluid delivery channels 74include a primary fluid channel 76 associated with each sample well 68for conveying sample material from the associated sample well 68 towardthe associated vent well 70. The fluid delivery channels 74 furtherinclude sample delivery channels 80 (see FIG. 7) connecting each samplewell 68 with its associated primary fluid channel 76, reagent deliverychannels 82 (see FIG. 11) connecting each reagent well 72 with all ofthe primary fluid channels 76, and a secondary fluid channel 78extending from each primary fluid channel 76 and terminating at a fluiddelivery port 84 at the delivery interface 86 where it is coupled withan inlet port (not numbered in FIG. 6) of the microfluidic chip 18.Sample is input through the sample well 68 and is delivered to theassociated primary fluid channel 76 via the sample delivery channel 80(See FIGS. 7-9). As the sample flows through the primary fluid channel76, it is mixed with reagents/primers delivered to the primary fluidchannel 76 from selected reagent wells 72 via reagent delivery channels82 (see FIGS. 11-12). Prior to the primary fluid channel 76 reaching thevent well 70, the secondary fluid channel 78 splits off and a percentageof the sample/reagent mixture flows, via the primary fluid channel 76,to the vent well 70 and a percentage of the sample/reagent mixtureflows, via the secondary fluid channel 78, into the microfluidic processchannel of the microfluidic chip 18 for, e.g., PCR and thermal meltanalysis.

In the embodiment shown, the 96-well interface cartridge 62 lacks fluidremoval channels coupled to outlet ports of the microfluidic processchannels 24 of the microfluidic chip 18 and waste collection wellsconfigured to collect waste fluids conveyed from the microfluidic chip18 by the fluid removal channels. Alternative configurations of a96-well (or other number of wells) interface cartridge in which fluidremoval channels and waste collection wells are contemplated asembodying aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a cross section through the reagent wells 72 showing theconical shape of each of the wells in accordance with one exemplaryembodiment. It is also contemplated that wells having other shapes maybe used as well.

FIG. 11 is a cross section showing a reagent delivery channel 82 from asingle reagent well. FIG. 12 is an enlarged detailed view of a portionof the reagent delivery channel. In the illustrated embodiment, thereagent delivery channel divides three times so that a single channelfrom a single well can flow into each of the eight primary fluidchannels 78. This configuration of channels may be referred to as“h-channels.”

In one embodiment, the 96 well interface cartridge 62 may be made fromSomos® 11122 WaterShed™ XC 11122 SLA resin. Of course, other suitablematerials may be used as well.

In one embodiment, microfluidic chip 18 is supported with respect to theinterface cartridge 62 by a chip support platform 90 that is fixedrelative to the cartridge 62 and having an opening 92 formed therein soas to enable optical detection of properties of fluid flowing throughportions of the microfluidic process channels 24 above the opening 92.See FIG. 26

Details of one embodiment of a connection gasket are shown in FIGS.26-28. The gasket, represented by reference number 300, includes aplurality of ports 302. In the illustrated embodiment, gasket 300includes eight ports 302 corresponding to the eight microfluidic processchannels of the microfluidic chip. Each port 302 includes a tapered,circular recess 304 formed in the top of the gasket 300 and afrustoconical nipple 306 projecting from the bottom of the gasket 302. Acircular projection surrounding each of the fluid delivery ports 84extends into the recess 304. In the illustrated embodiment, the ports302 are arranged in two parallel lines whereby the ports 302 of one lineare staggered with respect to the ports 302 of the other line. In otherembodiments, the ports 302 can be arranged in two or more staggered ornon-staggered lines, or the ports 302 can be arranged in a single line.The gasket can be made of an elastomeric polymer or other suitablematerial, or the gasket can be replaced by an adhesive material, such ascurable liquid adhesive, single sided tape, double sided tape oradhesive transfer tape. Other materials suitable for the gasket or foruse as an adhesive are known to those of skill in the art.

Another assembly embodying aspects of the present invention is indicatedby reference number 100 in FIGS. 13-17. Assembly 100 includes aninterface cartridge 102 to which is coupled a microfluidic chip 18.Interface cartridge 102 has similar design concepts to the 96-wellinterface chip 62 described above. Both interface cartridges 62 and 102are designed with microfluidic control, mixing, and deliveryfunctionality such that random access assays can be delivered to themicrofluidic process channels 24 of the microfluidic chip 18. Unlike the96-well interface cartridge 62 described above, random reagent access isprovided by a sipper tube 134 attached to the bottom side 106 of theinterface cartridge 102 (see FIG. 15) for sipping reagents from, forexample, a micro-plate (not shown) positioned below the assembly 100.

As described above, and shown in FIG. 15, customized gaskets 140, 148are used to connect and seal the interface cartridge 102 with themicrofluidic chip 18 at a delivery interface 138 and a waste interface146, respectively. Recesses 141, 149 conforming in shape to the gaskets140, 148, respectively, may be formed in the bottom side 106 of theinterface cartridge 102 for receiving the gaskets 140, 148 (see FIG.14).

The design layout of the interface cartridge 102 is illustrated in FIGS.14, 16 and 17. The first row of wells formed in the top side 104 of theinterface cartridge 102 comprises patient sample wells 108 in which auser would add the samples to be tested. A common reagent well 112contains a reagent that is common to all assays to be performed in themicrofluidic chip 18. A row of vent wells 110 is provided to collectexcess sample and reagent fluids. A row of waste collection wells 142 isprovided to collect the remains of the assay mixture removed from themicrofluidic process channels 24 of the microfluidic chip 18. The sippertube 134 is used to draw assay reagents, such as PCR reagents, from amicro-well plate disposed below the assembly 100. A vacuum assistconnection hole 136 is provided to counteract hydrostatic pressure ofthe sipper tube 134 (see FIG. 15). Electrical connection pads 150connect channel-heating elements within the microfluidic chip 18 to anexternal power source.

Interface cartridge 102 includes fluid delivery channels configured toconvey fluids (sample, reagents, etc.) from the wells 108, 110, 112 andsipper tube 134 to the microfluidic process channels 24 of themicrofluidic chip 18. More specifically, the fluid delivery channelsinclude primary fluid channels 116 connecting each sample well 108 withone vent well 110. A sample delivery channel 130 connects each samplewell 108 with each associated primary fluid channel 116. In theillustrated embodiment, interface cartridge 102 includes eight primarychannels 116, corresponding to eight associated sample wells 108 andvent wells 110. Reagent delivery channels 132 connect the common reagentwell 112 and the sipper tube 134 with all primary fluid channels 116. Inone illustrative embodiment, the reagent delivery channels 132 dividesthree times (forming h-channels), so that the single channel from thecommon reagent well 112 and the sipper tube 134 is influid-communication with all eight primary fluid channels 116. Fluidremoval channels 144 connect each waste collection well 142 to anassociated one of the microfluidic process channels 24.

Each primary fluid channel 116 comprises a delivery leg 118 conveying amixture of sample and reagent toward the delivery interface coupling theinterface cartridge 102 with the microfluidic chip 18 and a return leg126 conveying excess fluid mixture (i.e., that portion of the fluidmixture that is not drawn into the associated microfluidic processchannel 24) back to the vent well 110. Arrows shown in the topillustration in FIG. 16 show the general directions of fluid flowthrough the reagent delivery channels 132 and the delivery legs 118 andthe return legs 126 of the primary fluid channels 116.

In accordance with one embodiment, FIG. 17 illustrates that each of thedelivery legs 118 a, 118 b, 118 c, 118 d progressing from the lateralperimeter of cartridge body toward the center of the cartridge bodyincludes an increasingly large deviation from a direct, straight-linepath. This results in each of the delivery legs 118 a, 118 b, 118 c, 118d of the primary fluid channels 116 having a substantially identicallength, so that fluid flowing through the delivery legs will arrive atthe microfluidic chip 18 at substantially the same time. However,delivery legs having other and different lengths may be used.

Similarly, each of the return legs 126 a, 126 b, 126 c, 126 dprogressing from the lateral perimeter of cartridge body toward thecenter of the cartridge body includes an increasingly large deviationfrom a direct, straight-line path. This results in each of the returnlegs 126 a, 126 b, 126 c, 126 d of the primary fluid channels 116 havinga substantially identical length, so that fluid flowing through thereturn legs will arrive at the vent wells 110 at substantially the sametime. Also, each of the fluid removal channels 144 a, 144 b, 144 c, 144d progressing from the lateral perimeter of cartridge body toward thecenter of the cartridge body includes an increasingly large deviationfrom a direct, straight-line path. This results in each of the fluidremoval channels 144 a, 144 b, 144 c, 144 d having a substantiallyidentical length (see FIG. 16).

Exemplary dimensions of the interface cartridge 102 are 38 mm wide×67.8mm long with a total thickness of 6 mm. Exemplary well diameter is 3.7mm. The distance between all channels in the interface cartridge 102 ispreferably maintained at 200 μm. One of skill in the art will recognizethat such dimensions are only exemplary and alternative dimensions areenvisioned and encompassed by the present invention.

The lower illustration in FIG. 16 is a detail showing the transitionbetween the delivery leg 118 and the return leg 126 of each primaryfluid channel 116. The delivery leg 118 includes a vertical leg 120 atits terminal end. The vertical leg 120 comprises a fluid connection holeextending to a fluid delivery port at the bottom 106 of the interfacecartridge 102. Similarly, the return leg 126 includes a vertical leg 124at its terminal end. The vertical leg 124 comprises a fluid connectionhole extending to a fluid return port at the bottom 106 of the interfacecartridge 102. The vertical leg/fluid connection hole 120 and thevertical leg fluid connection hole 124 have exemplary dimensions of 250μm. The vertical leg/fluid connection hole 120 and the vertical legfluid connection hole 124 connect at the delivery interface 138 tocorresponding inlet ports formed in the microfluidic chip 18. The inletports of the microfluidic chip 18 corresponding to connection holes 120,124 are connected to each other by a connector leg 122 formed in themicrofluidic chip 18. A secondary flow channel 128 formed in themicrofluidic chip 18 extends from the connector leg 122 (preferably froma point generally bisecting the connector leg 122) to one of themicrofluidic process channels 24 of the microfluidic chip 18.

Fluid conveyed by the delivery leg 118 flows in the direction indicatedby arrow “A”. From the delivery leg 118, the fluid encounters verticalleg 120 extending down (into the page of FIG. 16). Fluid then flowsalong the connector leg 122 before it encounters the second vertical leg124, extending up to and connecting with return leg 126 along whichfluid flows in the direction indicated by arrow “B” toward the vent well110. Flows A and B are driven and controlled by selective application ofa vacuum at the vent wells 110, or by other means known to those skilledin the art. To facilitate application of a vacuum, vent wells 110preferably include an o-ring groove 111 surrounding their openings forreceiving an o-ring to provide a substantially air-tight seal betweenthe vacuum source and the interface cartridge 102 at the vent wells 110.

A portion of the fluid flowing into the connector leg 122 from thedelivery leg 118 and the first vertical leg 120 of the primary fluidchannel 116 is diverted into the secondary flow fluid channel 128 (arrow“C”) and is conveyed by the secondary flow channel 128 in the directionindicated by arrow “D” toward the microfluidic process channel 24. FlowsC and D are driven and controlled by selective application of a vacuumat the waste collection wells 142. To facilitate application of avacuum, waste collection wells 142 preferably include an o-ring groove147 surrounding their openings for receiving an o-ring to provide asubstantially air-tight seal between the vacuum source and the interfacecartridge 102 at the waste collection wells 142.

Because the connector leg 122 is below the plane of the delivery leg 118and the return leg 126, the connector leg 122 and the secondary fluidflow channel 128 is positioned below the return leg 126′ of the adjacentprimary fluid flow channel.

The flow pattern of the interface cartridge 102 and microfluidic chip 18of assembly 100 is illustrated in FIG. 16. Specific reagents move intothe interface cartridge 102 through the sipper tube 134 (vacuum assistconnection 136 is provided to counteract hydrostatic pressure of sippertube 134). Reagents common to all PCR reactions are added into thecommon reagent well 112. Reagents stream equally into the eight primaryfluid flow channels 116 through h-branching of the reagent deliverychannel 132. Patient DNA, or other sample, is added to each of the eightsample wells 108. The mixture (sample and reagents) flows in thedelivery leg 118 in the direction indicated by arrow “A” in FIG. 16,through the connector leg 122, and back into the vent well 110 via thereturn leg 126 in the direction indicated by arrow “B” in FIG. 16. Ventwells 110 include a vacuum fitting on top for drawing fluid. As is alsoshown in FIG. 16, a portion of the flow in the connector leg 122, A toB, is drawn into the secondary fluid flow channel 128 and toward themicrofluidic process channel 24 of the microfluidic chip 18, C to D,from vacuum driven flow at the waste collection wells 142 (vacuumfitting on top of waste collection well 142). The interface cartridge102 serves two functions: mixing regents and continuous flow (left half)and moving mixed reagents into the microfluidic chip for analysis bydiscontinuous flow (right half). In accordance with one embodiment, theinterface cartridge 102 also has 1 mm diameter holes 143, 145 for theplacement of alignment pins. Alignment pins can be used to align theinterface cartridge with the microfluidic chip, or to align the assemblyof the interface cartridge and the microfluidic chip in an analysisdevice.

FIG. 17 shows a further schematic of the movement of fluid within theinterface cartridge 102 in accordance with one embodiment. Assayspecific reagents move into interface cartridge 102 through sipper tube134, as represented by arrow 152 with dashed cross hatching, and flowsinto undivided reagent delivery channel 132. Reagent common to allassays, as represented by arrow 154 with stippling, flows from commonreagent well 112 and into the undivided reagent delivery channel 132.The reagent(s) flowing through reagent delivery channel 132 are split 3times to form eight identical streams, as represented by arrows 156 withsolid cross hatching, flowing in the divided reagent delivery channel132 (a reagent flow region). Patient DNA sample is added to each of theeight primary fluid delivery channels 116, as represented by arrows 158with no cross hatching or stippling (a sample flow region). Solid blackarrows 160 represent mixed sample and reagents flowing in the deliverylegs 118 and the return legs 126 of the primary fluid channels 116 (amixing region).

FIG. 16A is partial plan view of an interface cartridge 102 a andmicrofluidic chip 18 a showing one embodiment of a fluidic interfacebetween the interface cartridge and the microfluidic chip. Theembodiment of FIG. 16A corresponds to the embodiment shown in FIGS.13-16 and described above. FIG. 16A is a partial view showing only asingle fluid delivery channel and microfluidic process channel, but theassembly may include a plurality of fluid delivery channels andmicrofluidic process channels and may or may not include the same numberof each type of channels. Interface cartridge 102 a includes at leastone fluid delivery channel including a delivery leg 118 a whichterminates at a vertical fluid connection hole 120 a and a return leg126 a which extends from a vertical connection hole 124 a. Holes 120 aand 124 a extend to the bottom of the interface cartridge 102 a.Microfluidic chip 18 a includes at least one first fluid connection port20 a 1 and a second fluid connection port 20 a 2 connected by aconnector leg 122 a. A secondary flow channel 128 a formed in themicrofluidic chip 18 a extends from the connector leg 122 a to themicrofluidic process channel 24 a. When the interface cartridge 102 aand the microfluidic chip 18 a are coupled, the vertical connection hole120 a is in fluid-communication with second fluid connection port 20 a2, and the vertical connection hole 124 a is in fluid-communication withfirst fluid connection port 20 a 1. A portion of the fluid flowing fromdelivery leg 118 a, through the connector leg 122 a, and toward thereturn leg 126 a can be drawn into the microfluidic process channel 24 athrough the secondary flow channel 128 a.

FIG. 16B is partial plan view of an interface cartridge 102 b andmicrofluidic chip 18 b showing another embodiment of a fluidic interfacebetween the interface cartridge and the microfluidic chip. FIG. 16B is apartial view showing only a single fluid delivery channel andmicrofluidic process channel, but the assembly may include a pluralityof fluid delivery channels and microfluidic process channels and may ormay not include the same number of each type of channels. Interfacecartridge 102 b includes at least one fluid delivery channel including adelivery leg 118 b and a return leg 126 b connected by a connector leg122 b formed in the interface cartridge 102 b. Microfluidic chip 18 bincludes at least one fluid inlet port 20 b at a proximal end of amicrofluidic process channel 24 b. A secondary flow channel 128 b formedin the interface cartridge 102 b extends from the connector leg 122 b toa fluid delivery port 42 b. When the interface cartridge 102 b and themicrofluidic chip 18 b are coupled, fluid delivery port 42 b is influid-communication with the fluid inlet port 20 b. A portion of thefluid flowing from delivery leg 118 b, through the connector leg 122 b,and toward the return leg 126 b can be drawn into the microfluidicprocess channel 24 b through the secondary flow channel 128 b

FIG. 16C is partial plan view of an interface cartridge comprising firstlayer 102 c 1 and 102 c 2 and a microfluidic chip 18 c showing a furtherembodiment of a fluidic interface between the interface cartridge andthe microfluidic chip. FIG. 16C is a partial view showing only a singlefluid delivery channel and microfluidic process channel, but theassembly may include a plurality of fluid delivery channels andmicrofluidic process channels and may or may not include the same numberof each type of channels. First layer 102 c 1 includes at least one adelivery leg 118 c which terminates at a vertical fluid connection hole120 c and at least one return leg 126 c which extends from a verticalconnection hole 124 c. Holes 120 c and 124 c extend to the bottom oflayer 102 c 1. Second layer 102 c 2 includes a connector leg 122 c and asecondary flow channel 128 c extending from the connector leg 122 c andterminating at fluid delivery port 42 c. Microfluidic chip 18 c includesat least one fluid inlet port 20 c at a proximal end of a microfluidicprocess channel 24 c. When the first layer 102 c 1 and the second layer102 c 2 are assembled, the vertical connection hole 120 a is influid-communication with one end of the connector leg 122 c and thevertical connection hole 124 c is in fluid-communication with theopposite end of the connector leg 122 c. When the interface cartridge102 c 1/102 c 2 is coupled to the microfluidic chip 18 c, the fluiddelivery port 42 c is in fluid-communication with the fluid inlet port20 c. A portion of the fluid flowing from delivery leg 118 c, throughthe connector leg 122 c, and toward the return leg 126 c can be drawninto the microfluidic process channel 24 c through the secondary flowchannel 128 c.

Another assembly embodying aspects of the present invention is indicatedby reference number 180 in FIGS. 18-22. Assembly 180 includes aninterface cartridge 182 to which is coupled a microfluidic chip 18. Asdescribed above, customized gaskets (not shown) may be used to connectand seal the interface cartridge 182 with the microfluidic chip 18 at adelivery interface and a waste interface. Unlike the 96-well interfacecartridge 102 described above, reagents are provided by a pre-interfacechip 204 rather than a sipper tube. Pre-interface chip 204 includesinternal reservoirs and channels for storing and delivering common andassay-specific reagent to the interface cartridge 182 via a reagentinlet channel 196 connected to reagent delivery channels 194.

The design layout of the interface cartridge 182 is illustrated in FIGS.18 and 19. The first row of wells formed in the top side of theinterface cartridge 182 comprises patient sample wells 188 in which auser would add the samples to be tested. A row of vent wells 190 isprovided to collect excess sample and reagent fluids. A row of wastecollection wells 208 is provided to collect the remains of the assaymixture removed from the microfluidic process channels 24 of themicrofluidic chip 18. Electrical connection pads 212, 214 connectchannel-heating elements within the microfluidic chip 18 to an externalpower source. In this regard, the design shown in FIGS. 18-22 has beenaltered to accommodate a different style microfluidic chip 18 whereinthe interface cartridge 182 now provides access to both rows ofmicrofluidic chip electrical contact pads on both sides of the chip, ascompared with providing contact to only one side of the microfluidicchip as in the previously-described embodiment.

Interface cartridge 182 includes fluid delivery channels configured toconvey fluids (sample, reagents, etc.) from the wells 188, 190 andpre-interface chip 204 to the microfluidic process channels 24 of themicrofluidic chip 18. More specifically, the fluid delivery channelsinclude primary fluid channels 192 connecting each sample well 188 withone vent well 192. A sample delivery channel connects each sample well188 with each associated primary fluid channel 192. In the illustratedembodiment, interface cartridge 182 includes eight primary channels 192,corresponding to eight associated sample wells 188 and vent wells 190.Reagent delivery channels 194 connect the pre-interface chip 204 withall primary fluid channels 192. Fluid removal channels 206 connect eachwaste collection well 208 to an associated one of the microfluidicprocess channels 24.

As with the previously-described embodiment, each primary fluid channel192 comprises a delivery leg conveying a mixture of sample and reagenttoward the delivery interface coupling the interface cartridge 182 withthe microfluidic chip 18 and a return leg conveying excess fluid mixture(i.e., that portion of the fluid mixture that is not drawn into theassociated microfluidic process channels 24) back to the vent well 190.Flow through the primary fluid channels 192 from the sample wells 188 tothe vent wells 190 is driven and controlled by selective application ofa vacuum at the vent wells 190.

Note that delivery legs of the primary fluid channels 192 progressingfrom the lateral perimeter of cartridge body toward the center of thecartridge body include an increasingly large deviation from a direct,straight-line path. This results in each of the delivery legs of theprimary fluid channels 192 having a substantially identical length, sothat fluid flowing through the delivery legs will arrive at themicrofluidic chip 18 at substantially the same time.

Although not shown in FIGS. 18-22, as with the previously-describedembodiment, each microfluidic process channel 24 of the microfluidicchip 18 includes a pair of inlet ports connected to each other by aconnector leg formed in the microfluidic chip 18. A secondary flowchannel formed in the microfluidic chip 18 extends from the connectorleg to the microfluidic process channel 24 of the microfluidic chip 18.As with the previously-described embodiment, a portion of the fluidflowing in primary fluid channel 192 from the sample wells 188 to thevent wells 190 is diverted into the secondary flow fluid channel and isconveyed by the secondary flow channel toward the microfluidic processchannel 24. Flows through the secondary flow channel is driven andcontrolled by selective application of a vacuum at the waste collectionwells 208.

Interface cartridge 182 includes a matching alignment hole 215 and slot213 for positioning the interface cartridge 182 with respect to themicrofluidic chip 18. Mounting holes 186 are provided to secureinterface cartridge 182 to the microfluidic chip 18.

The pre-interface chip 204 performs master mixing functions for mixingof common reagent and primers. In one exemplary embodiment, a 250 μmdiameter by 1 mm deep hole on the bottom of the interface cartridge 182accepts fluids from the pre-interface chip 204 into the reagent inletchannel 196. A gasket is used to interface between the interfacecartridge 182 and the pre-interface chip 204. A bolt 200 and one or moremetal plates 216 are used to fasten the pre-interface chip 204 to theinterface cartridge 182, and a hole 202 and slot 198 in the interfacecartridge 182 are used to align the position of the pre-interface chip204 to the interface cartridge 182 (see FIG. 22). As one of skill in theart will recognize, these features are only exemplary embodiments of thepresent invention, and alternative means of construction, attachment,and function may be alternatively utilized.

Exemplary dimensions of the interface cartridge 182 are 54 mm wide×89.5mm long with a total thickness of 6 mm. Exemplary well diameter is 4.5mm for greater volume and longer run time (˜66 min) as compared to aninterface cartridge having smaller diameter wells. One of skill in theart will recognize that such dimensions are only exemplary andalternative dimensions are envisioned and encompassed by the presentinvention.

Further alterations possible in the interface cartridge 182 may simplifymanufacturing. In one embodiment, the interface cartridge 182 comprisesonly two layers 182 a and 182 b (see FIGS. 19 and 21). In oneembodiment, top layer 182 a is 5 mm thick, and bottom layer 182 b is 1mm thick. Moreover, the design has been simplified as compared withother embodiments to reduce manufacturing complexity. In thisembodiment, there are no tight tolerance features on the top layer 182a. Further, as shown in FIG. 19, all holes are cut completely throughthe top layer 182 a of the interface cartridge 182, and the wells may beof a size of approximately 79 μL (4.5 mm diameter and 5 mm deep),without a taper on the bottom to allow for more overall well volume. Ascan be appreciated, other well volumes and sizes are also encompassed bythe present invention.

As further shown in FIG. 19, the bottom layer 182 b of the interfacecartridge 182 can contain all of the critical features of the device,and may be configured to have a bottom layer thickness of 1 mm withreagent delivery channels, primary fluid channels, and fluid removalchannels of 300×30 μm dimension and sample delivery channels of 100×30μm dimension. As can be appreciated, other dimensions are alsoencompassed by the present invention. Similarly, any dimensionsdescribed in the present invention can be understood by one of skill inthe art to be exemplary only, such that alternative dimensions areenvisioned and are encompassed by the present invention.

In the present embodiment, the interface cartridge bottom layer 182 bincludes a fluid connection to the pre-interface chip 204, which may bevia a hole of approximately 250 μm diameter and 1 mm deep extendingthrough the bottom of the bottom layer 182 from the proximal (left-most)end of reagent inlet channel 196 as discussed above. Fluid deliveryports of similar dimension (250 μm diameter×1 mm deep) may be providedat a delivery interface 218, and fluid removal ports of similardimension may be provided at waste interface 220.

The present invention contemplates that the bottom layer 182 b of theinterface cartridge 182 includes the locating holes 212, 202 and slots214, 198 for the microfluidic chip and pre-interface chip as shown inFIG. 19. Further, as discussed above, the interface cartridge 182 has notight tolerance features on the top layer 182 a. Rather, all locatingholes are tight fits on the bottom layer 182 b and loose fit on the top182 a.

A further alteration in the interface cartridge 182 as compared topreviously-described interface cartridges (such as interface cartridge102) is that the O-ring grooves and the gasket recesses have beenomitted to simplify parts for manufacturing. However, the preferreddistance between all channels remains the same as in interface cartridgeembodiments discussed previously (i.e., 200 μm).

A rectangular opening 184 is formed through the interface cartridge 182so as to enable optical detection of properties of fluid flowing throughportions of the microfluidic process channels 24 above the opening 184.The delivery interface 218 is formed along one side of the opening 184and the waste interface 220 is formed along an opposite side of theopening 184.

Further, certain alterations evident in the interface cartridge 182 havebeen provided for easier assembly. For instance, all channels are atleast 600 μm from the edge of a well, reducing the necessary tolerancesfor aligning the top and bottom of the chip. Furthermore, the line ofsight of an optical detector device, such as an LED for detecting anoptical property of materials flowing in the microfluidic processchannels 24 of the microfluidic chip 18, has been improved bymodifications to the interface cartridge 182. First, in accordance withone embodiment as shown in FIG. 22, a 40-degree angled slot 222 (otherangles may be used as well) was added to improve the line of sight ofthe LED 224, and second, as shown in FIG. 18, the waste collection wells208 were placed further to the right of the opening 184 as compared toembodiments described above. In addition, the fluid delivery channelsare positioned such that no channels are under the wells 188, 190, or208. This allows all the channel intersections to be visible andimproves the ability to image the channels via photos and videos duringtesting.

A further alteration includes a change in the width and length of thesample delivery channels extending from the sample wells 188 to 100μm×4.5 mm to help improve control flows by increasing the hydraulicresistance in the sample delivery channels. Further, as shown in FIG. 18and described above, the length of each of the primary fluid channels192 from the sample well 188 to the microfluidic chip 18 (i.e., thefluid delivery leg of each primary fluid channel 192) is the same forall of the eight channels. Consequently, the fluids will reach themicrofluidic chip 18 at the same time for each channel. However, in theembodiment of FIG. 18, the channels back to the vent wells 190 (i.e.,the return legs of the primary fluid channels 192) are not the samelength. Instead, the channels utilize the straightest route back to thevent wells 190, as do the fluid removal channels 206 from themicrofluidic chip 18 to the waste collection wells 208.

Finally, in order to provide flow control feedback, interface cartridge182 includes redesigned channels such that a section 226 (see FIG. 19)of the interface cartridge has all eight primary fluid channels 192 in astraight, parallel configuration to provide a viewing area for goodoptical flow control feedback.

As shown in FIG. 21, in one embodiment, the microfluidic chip 18 issecured to the interface cartridge 182 by means of a chip retainer plate230 secured with respect to the interface cartridge 182 by means offasteners 228 (e.g., bolts) extending through mounting holes 186.

Another interface cartridge embodying aspects of the present inventionis indicated by reference number 252 in FIGS. 23-25. A first row ofwells formed in the top side of the interface cartridge 252 comprisespatient sample wells 254 in which a user would add the samples to betested. Alternatively, patient sample well may be external to theinterface cartridge 252. A row of vent wells 256 is provided to collectexcess sample and reagent fluids. A row of input wells 258 is providedto receive sample and/or reagent fluids, which may be pre-mixed, and aredispensed by means of, for example, a pipette or other suitable device.Sample fluid may be transferred from one of the patient sample wells 254to an input well 258 by means of, for example, a pipetter. Wastecollection wells 260 are provided to collect the remains of the assaymixture removed from the microfluidic process channels of themicrofluidic chip. A row of spacer fluid wells 262 is provided to holdspacer fluids to be delivered to the microfluidic process channelsbetween fluid samples to form discrete sample segments within a fluidflow through the microfluidic process channels. Sample fluid may betransferred from one of the spacer fluid wells 262 to an input well 258by means of, for example, a pipetter. Alternatively, the spacer fluidwells may be external to the interface cartridge 252.

Interface cartridge 252 includes fluid delivery channels configured toconvey fluids (sample, reagents, etc.) from the wells 258 to themicrofluidic process channels 24 of the microfluidic chip 18. Morespecifically, the fluid delivery channels include primary fluid channels264 connecting each input well 258 with one vent well 256. In theillustrated embodiment, interface cartridge 252 includes eight primarychannels 264, corresponding to eight associated input wells 258 and ventwells 256. Fluid removal channels 266 connect each waste collection well260 to an associated one of the microfluidic process channels 24.

The inlet ports of microfluidic process channels of a microfluidic chipare fluidly coupled to the fluid delivery channels of the interfacecartridge 252 at a delivery interface 270. The outlet ports of themicrofluidic process channels are fluidly coupled to the fluid removalchannels 266 at a waste interface 280 at which a fluid removal port,which comprises the terminal end of each fluid removal channel 280, iscoupled in fluid-communication with the outlet port of an associatedmicrofluidic process channel of the microfluidic chip.

Each primary fluid channel 264 comprises a delivery leg 265 conveying afluid (e.g., a mixture of sample and reagent) from the input well 258toward the delivery interface 270 coupling the interface cartridge 252with a microfluidic chip and a return leg 267 conveying excess fluidmixture (i.e., that portion of the fluid mixture that is not drawn intothe associated microfluidic process channels 24) back to the vent well256. Flow through the primary fluid channels 264 from the input wells258 to the vent wells 256 may be driven and controlled by selectiveapplication of a vacuum at the vent wells 256.

Note that, as with previously-described embodiments, delivery legs 265of the primary fluid channels 264 progressing from the lateral perimeterof the cartridge body toward the center of the cartridge body includesan increasingly large deviation from a direct, straight-line path. Thisresults in each of the delivery legs of the primary fluid channels 264having a substantially identical length, so that fluid flowing from thewells 258 through the delivery legs will arrive at the microfluidic chip18 at substantially the same time.

Although not shown in FIGS. 23-25, as with the previously-describedembodiment, each microfluidic process channel of the microfluidic chipincludes a pair of inlet ports connected to each other by a connectorleg formed in the microfluidic chip. A secondary flow channel formed inthe microfluidic chip extends from the connector leg to the microfluidicprocess channel of the microfluidic chip. As with previously-describedembodiments, a portion of the fluid flowing in primary fluid channel 264from the input wells 258 to the vent wells 256 is diverted into thesecondary flow fluid channel and is conveyed by the secondary flowchannel toward the microfluidic process channel. Flows through thesecondary flow channel is driven and controlled by selective applicationof a vacuum at the waste collection wells 260.

As shown in FIG. 24, the interface cartridge 252 may be made frommultiple layers. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, thecartridge has four layers. The top layer 252 a is a 5 mm (note thatdimensions are exemplary) thick layer made from polymethyl methacrylate(PMMA), or some other suitable material, including non-reactive plasticsor acrylic. Various features of the interface cartridge 252 are formedin the top layer 252 a, including sample wells 254, vent wells 256,input wells 258, waste collection wells 260, and spacer fluid wells 262.The top layer further includes cut-outs 274, 284 for receiving the endsof the microfluidic chip. Layer 252 b is a pressure sensitive adhesive(“PSA”) layer generally conforming to the shape of top layer 252 a.Middle layer 252 c is a 0.7 mm thick layer formed from PMMA, or othersuitable material (all layers, except the PSA layer, are preferablyformed from the same material). Layer 252 c includes sample wells 254,vent wells 256, waste collection wells 260, and spacer fluid wells 262,but lacks input wells 258. Instead, layer 252 c includes a row of fluidconnection holes 290 formed through the layer which communicate withinput wells 258 formed in layer 252 a. Layer 252 c also includes a rowof fluid removal ports 288 and two rows of fluid holes 278 and 279.Bottom layer 252 d is a 0.7 mm thick layer formed from PMMA, or othersuitable material. Layer 252 d includes all the fluid delivery channels,including fluid delivery legs 265 and fluid return legs 267 of theprimary fluid channels 264 and the fluid removal channels 266.

The layers 252 a, 252 b, 252 c, 252 d are assembled as shown in FIG. 25.In one embodiment, bottom layer 252 d is thermally bonded to middlelayer 252 c, and the top layer 252 a is secured to middle layer 252 c byPSA layer 252 b between the top layer 252 a and the middle layer 252 c.

When the layers 252 a-d are assembled, the terminal end of each of thefluid delivery legs 265 formed in layer 252 d is aligned with one of thefluid holes 278 formed in layer 252 c, and the terminal end of eachfluid return leg 267 formed in layer 252 d is aligned with one of thefluid holes 279 formed in layer 252 c.

Similarly, the terminal end of each fluid removal channel 266 is alignedwith one of the fluid removal ports 288 formed through layer 252 c. Theproximal ends of the delivery legs 265 align with holes 290 so as to bein fluid-communication with input wells 258, and the proximal ends ofthe return legs 267 align with vent wells 256. The proximal ends of thefluid removal channels 266 align with the waste collection wells 260.

The end of a microfluidic chip (not shown) with a pair of inlet portsfor each microfluidic process channel is placed within the cutout 274associated with the delivery interface 270. A portion of middle layer252 c beneath the cutout 274 forms a support shelf 272 that supports theend of the microfluidic chip. The inlet ports of the microfluidic chipare configured so as to be in alignment with the holes 278, 279 when thechip is placed on support shelf 272 within cutout 274. The opposite endof the microfluidic chip is placed within cutout 284 associated withwaste interface 280 and is supported on a portion of the middle layer252 c beneath the cutout 284 defining a support shelf 282. The outletports of the microfluidic chip are configured so as to be in alignmentwith holes 288 formed in middle layer 252 c chip is placed on supportshelf 282 within cutout 284.

While the present invention has been described and shown in considerabledetail with disclosure to certain preferred embodiments, those skilledin the art will readily appreciate other embodiments of the presentinvention. Accordingly, the present invention is deemed to include allmodifications and variations encompassed within the spirit and scope ofthe following appended claims.

1. A microfluidic assembly comprising: microfluidic assay chip having aplurality of microfluidic channels, each microfluidic channel having aninlet port for delivering fluid to a proximal end of the microfluidicchannel and an outlet port for removing fluid from a terminal end of themicrofluidic channel; an interface cartridge having a larger width andlength than said microfluidic assay chip, said interface cartridgehaving formed therein a plurality of fluid delivery channels influid-communication with one or more microfluidic channels in themicrofluidic assay chip, each fluid delivery channel having a fluiddelivery port configured to deliver fluid from the associated fluiddelivery channel to an inlet port of one of the microfluidic channels.2. The microfluidic assembly of claim 1, wherein each fluid deliverychannel of the interface cartridge comprises: a primary fluid flowchannel having a first leg and a second leg, each leg having a proximalend and a terminal end; and a vent well at the terminal end of saidsecond leg of said primary fluid flow channel; and wherein saidmicrofluidic assay chip comprises: two inlet ports, one of said inletports being in fluid-communication with the terminal end of said firstleg of said primary fluid flow channel and the other of said inlet portsbeing in fluid-communication with the proximal end of said second leg ofsaid primary fluid flow channel; and a secondary fluid flow channelconnecting said two inlet ports and including a portion extending towarda one of said microfluidic channels of said microfluidic assay chip. 3.The microfluidic assembly of claim 1, wherein said microfluidic assaychip is made from glass or silica quartz, and said interface cartridgeis made from plastic.
 4. The microfluidic assembly of claim 1, whereinsaid interface cartridge is disposed above said microfluidic assay chip.5. The microfluidic assembly of claim 2, wherein said plurality of fluiddelivery channels corresponds in number to the number of microfluidicchannels in the microfluidic assay chip.
 6. The microfluidic assembly ofclaim 1, wherein said microfluidic assay chip further comprises a PCRregion and a thermal melt region.
 7. An apparatus to increase chipcapacity in a microfluidic chip, comprising a primary microfluidic chipwith at least one microfluidic channel and associated connection holes;and a secondary cartridge comprising reagent/waste wells, connectionholes, and fluidic extension channels; wherein the reagent/waste wellsof the secondary cartridge are connected to the at least onemicrofluidic channel and associated connection holes of the primarymicrofluidic chip via the connection holes and fluidic extensionchannels of the secondary cartridge.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7,wherein the primary chip is glass, silica, or quartz.
 9. The apparatusof claim 7, wherein the secondary cartridge is plastic or acrylic. 10.The apparatus of claim 7, wherein random access is provided betweenreagent wells and sample channels in the secondary cartridge.
 11. Theapparatus of claim 10, wherein random access is provided via a networkof H-branch channels. 12-39. (canceled)